Cancer Registrars Evolving in Bone Marrow Transplant Data Management

Cancer Registrars Evolving in Bone Marrow Transplant Data Management Christine Gibson, CTR, CCRP Cancer Registrars are well versed in the language of Cancer. CTR credentials are given once education, training and testing is satisfied. Training includes, anatomy and physiology, AJCC staging, , NAACCR (The North American Association of Central Cancer Registries) guidelines for data capture, CDC, NCI SEER guidelines for Hematopoietic Database, Collaborative Staging, NCCN treatment guidelines and Commission on Cancer guidelines. Many resources and many regulatory bodies over see the data as we over see the data in our own institutions. Standards of Care and comparisons are made to assure the best possible patient experience. Diagnosis information, pathology, molecular testing, IHC, FISH; cytogenetic, tumor markers and prognostic indicators are the foundation of caner reporting. Radiology tests and surgical interventions with histological diagnosis, dictate the stage of cancer. Once a stage of cancer is derived; a treatment plan can be made. Cancer treatment is captured in the cancer registry. Chemotherapy regimens, radiation, immunotherapy, vaccines and bone marrow transplant information is abstracted into the cancer registry. Cancer Programs that are American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer approved are required to have Cancer Registries. Annual follow up compliance is mandatory for all cancer patients in the cancer registry. It would seem that if resources were shared between the registries and regulators it could be more cost effective, and provide better data capture for the hematopoietic diseases. While many similarities exist between the two entities there are many differences. Continuous education is mandatory in a research environment. I have expanded my knowledge base. I have since learned about consents, regulatory agencies, engraftment, chimerism, acute and chronic GVHD, toxicities, infections and the many different time lines to report. Cancer registry background helped tremendously and working in a world class facility with world class physicians made the transition much easier.